Memory Disorders

Dementia is a condition rather than a specific disease. There are different illnesses that can lead to it, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease. For a diagnosis of dementia to be made, two conditions must be met: 1) there is memory loss, mainly for recent events, and 2) the person affected shows a decline in their functionality, meaning they struggle in daily life compared to the past.

There is a belief that it is normal for older people to forget things and that this is a natural part of aging. In reality, this is a myth. The truth is that as the years pass, we learn new information more slowly, but that does not mean we forget. If forgetting occurs, it is something that should concern us and be investigated further.

Recognize the early signs of cognitive decline

Alzheimer’s disease, like other forms of dementia, does not usually appear suddenly or progress rapidly. Its course is often “insidious” and can last for many years. What is initially dismissed by most people as the “forgetfulness” of normal aging gradually worsens, and the need for supervision and care increases more and more.

Many times, the individuals themselves do not recognize the condition they are in. In such cases, relatives or caregivers are the ones who notice that things are not going smoothly. As in most conditions, early and accurate diagnosis is the key to managing dementia. In other words, the sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment begins, and the better the outcomes.

Warning signs

• Does the person forget names and recent events, repeatedly asking the same questions?

• Do they struggle to express themselves or constantly search for the right words?

• Do they often have difficulty finding their personal belongings?

• Do they struggle to do things they used to do easily, such as driving or cooking?

• Do they have difficulty planning activities and organizing their daily routine?

• Do they become disoriented, losing their way in familiar areas?

• Do they struggle to remember dates, forget appointments, and fail to meet obligations?

• Do they seem apathetic and appear to have lost interest in things? Do they show less affection toward loved ones?

• Do you notice changes in their mood and personality? Do they seem different from their old self?

There is a method to evaluate the current state of someone’s memory. It is a memory assessment test, a complete series of exercises aimed at identifying personal cognitive strengths and weaknesses. It also provides the ability, when performed regularly, to detect the early signs of memory loss.